University of Kansas

Overview

Acronyms: KU

Founded: 1865

Control Type: Public

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #329

Rank in United States: #75

Motto: Videbo visionem hanc magnam quare non comburatur rubus

Colours: Crimson and blue

Mascot: Jayhawk

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Established in 1865, the University of Kansas is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Lawrence (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Kansas.

This institution also has branch campuses in Kansas City, Overland Park, Wichita and Salina. Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, University of Kansas (KU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.

University of Kansas (KU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 158-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. KU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

University of Kansas's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.

Academic Details

A snapshot of University of Kansas's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and the bodies recognising its work. Useful as a benchmark when comparing against peer institutions or national leaders.

Academic Structures

University of Kansas's academic units, organised by type. Recently formed faculties (post-merger or post-split) often have updated curricula and may carry less institutional history than older units.

Programs Offered

University of Kansas's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.

How to apply to University of Kansas

Step-by-step guidance for applying to University of Kansas, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

1. 1
   Find a programme that fits your goals

   Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University of Kansas runs 361 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

2. 2
   Confirm you meet the requirements

   Before applying to University of Kansas, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

3. 3
   Assemble your application package

   Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with University of Kansas's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

4. 4
   Submit your application

   Lodge your application through the official website (www.ku.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

5. 5
   Contact admissions and follow up

   Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (785) 864 2700. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Kansas

Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about University of Kansas, drawn directly from institutional records.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

National rankings in the United States often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Members of Association of American Universities (AAU)

Joint research grants among Association of American Universities (AAU) members create funded collaborations that often extend to graduate-student opportunities. The network listed below collaborates regularly with University of Kansas.

University of Toronto

Toronto · Public · Rank #14

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Universities near University of Kansas often have cross-enrolment or visiting-student arrangements that let students take modules at the partner institution. Worth checking if subject coverage at University of Kansas is narrow in your area.

The Ohio State University

Columbus · Public · Rank #66

Purdue University

West Lafayette · Public · Rank #107

University of Indianapolis

Indianapolis · Private · Rank #297

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington · Public · Rank #302

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond · Public · Rank #350

Where Else to Study Liberal Arts

For students considering Liberal Arts, these the United States institutions deliver the discipline alongside University of Kansas. Look beyond programme names to compare module content, assessment methods, and stated graduate outcomes.

Adler University

Chicago · Private · Rank #32

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill · Public · Rank #60

Northwestern University

Evanston · Private · Rank #63

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis · Public · Rank #70

Universities Often Compared with University of Kansas

International branch campuses are common among universities at University of Kansas's tier. Peer institutions often operate in similar geographies, signalling comparable global ambition.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Knoxville · Public · Rank #332

University of Houston

Houston · Public · Rank #336

University at Buffalo, State University of New York

Buffalo · Public · Rank #321

George Washington University

Washington · Private · Rank #318

Rice University

Houston · Private · Rank #315